Overview
- Newcastle lost 2-0 at Craven Cottage on Sunday after Issa Diop bundled in from a Kevin free-kick rebound and Tom Cairney added a late second.
- Sandro Tonali was forced out by a warm-up injury and Joe Willock was drafted into the starting XI at the last minute.
- The team offered little attacking threat, registering just one shot on target before half-time and creating few clear chances throughout the match.
- Individual displays drew sharp criticism, with Bruno Guimaraes singled out for appearing distracted, and players made an apologetic gesture to the travelling supporters after the final whistle.
- The defeat confirms a 12th-place finish with 17 league losses and arrives as owners conduct a review that reportedly plans tighter, revenue-driven recruitment and a summer rebuild while retaining Eddie Howe.